Hockey is a fast-paced, hard-hitting sport, with hard pucks and sharp skates a part of the game. It is imperative that the hockey player chooses the proper protective equipment and wears it at all times when on the ice.

All levels of hockey, even the NHL, require players to wear a protective helmet when playing

There are a large variety of helmet types available. To assure their safety compliance most helmets and face masks are certified by a professional association, such as the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC). Look for a Seal of Approval.

Construction

Most helmets are made of a polycarbonate material, which is basically a lightweight plastic

Hockey helmets come in either one or two-piece construction, with the two-piece version offering a more customized fit

All helmets have liners inside the shell to help absorb impact and to make the helmet more comfortable. Many have double liners--one to absorb the impact and the other to help with comfort.

Safety experts recommend that padding be at least 5/8 in thick

Determining your helmet size

Helmets come in a variety of sizes and are usually measured in inches

To ensure a player's safety it is important that his/her helmet fits properly

All juniors through college level players are required to have a face mask on their helmets. Face masks are either sold as part of the helmet or come separately. There are three kinds - wire cage, face shield, and combination.

Wire Cage

A wire cage consists of a metal or composite shield that covers the entire face area

Wire cages provide more protection and do not fog up like face shields

Face shields

These are generally a high impact-resistant plastic that covers the front of the face

Some players choose face shields because they offer better overall vision with no wires getting in the way

Face shields tend to fog up during use, but they are often now made with fog-resistant coatings

Combination masks

Some manufacturers now offer the best of both designs - a plastic face shield to protect the eyes and upper part of the face, and a wire mesh to cover the lower jaw and to add ventilation

Different manufacturers use different sizing charts, but the chart below provides a general guide

Determining Your Shoulder Pad Size

Finding your size

Size

Inches

cm

Junior Small

22 - 24

56 - 61

Junior Medium

24 - 28

61 - 71

Junior Large

28 - 30

71 - 76

Senior Small

30 - 32

76 - 81

Senior Medium

32 - 34

81.5 - 86.5

Senior Large

36 - 38

91.5 - 96.5

Senior X-Large

40 - 42

101.5 - 107

Elbow pads

Elbow pads are necessary to protect against painful bone bruises, and even fractured elbows, from falls or being hit by a stick

Elbow pads cover the muscular part of the arm in addition to the elbow

They cover the area from just below the shoulder pad to just above the hockey glove

Most elbow pads are adjustable and are secured with Velcro straps, so sizing is general according to body size. There are also varying numbers of straps available on different pads to help with adjustments.

You may want to add a forearm slash pad for further protection in a sensitive, highly vulnerable area

Dertermining your elbow pad size

Determine the distance between the edge of your shoulder pads and the cuff of your hockey glove. The elbow pad should leave no exposed skin between the shoulder pad and the glove.

Different manufacturers use different sizing methods, but the chart below is a good indicator of the elbow pad size you should buy based on the above measurement

Determining Your Elbow Pad Size

Finding your size

Size

Inches

Youth Small

7.5

Youth Medium

8.5

Youth Large

9.5

Junior Small

10.5

Junior Medium

11.5

Junior Large

12.5

Senior Small

13.5

Senior Medium

14.5

Senior Large

15.5 and above

Shin pads

These are mandatory to protect against hits by a puck or an opponent's stick

Shin pads range from 7 to 17 inches in length and are designed to fit over the kneecap to just above the skate top. You should look for one sized to your height.

Forwards usually prefer lighter pads with less protection that allow them to skate faster

Defensemen should look for a heavier shin guard that helps protect against pucks and opponent's sticks

Determining your shin pads size

While you are sitting down, measure from the middle of your knee cap to the top of your skate

This is your shin measurement and should be matched to the manufacturer's specifications on the shin pad

Different manufacturers use different sizing methods, but the chart below is a good indicator of the shin pad size you should buy based on the above measurement